Chapter 6. Wrestling with the Drawing Canvas

by Robert Cleveland

In this chapter

Understanding the Behavior of Elemental Shapes

Using Shapes As Tools

Working Inside the Group Canvas

Troubleshooting the Drawing Canvas

Did You Know?

Applying individual shapes to layers on the stage allows for flexibility in your movie choreography. But in many cases, it makes sense to combine different elements, particularly when you expect them to react in a similar way or along a common path.

The Flash canvas behaves with its own unique set of rules when you are moving, changing, and removing shapes all on the same layer. Sometimes the canvas can respond in a fairly strange way, and your best expectations are thrown off as a result of a misguided move. Understanding these rules can help you anticipate the way shapes respond to the changes and adjustments you apply.